Brighton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just back from a few days in Brighton, and escaping the worst of the snow too.  For me Winter is often the best time to explore seaside places.

Brightons buildings range from the grandeur of the 1820's houses to traditional pubs and narrow shopping alleys called "The Lanes".  Unfortunately the Royal Pavilion [3rd from the top] was closed for maintenance work.

Taffs Well in the snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's amazing, no matter how much advance warning we get it still causes major disruptions, with lots off work and the schools closed.

A frosty morning cycle ride

 

 

 

 

Here's some of the Sunday morning crew.  A bit cold, but a wonderful clear and sunny day.  These were taken at Llanwonno and also on the mountain tops heading towards Ferndale.

All the birds of the air........

 

 

 

....and a couple of hares too.
These were taken at the indoor market in Abergavenny.

Cardiff Bay starlings

 

 

 

 

Tha starlings [link from the RSPB wesite ] begin to gather at dusk and as the numbers build up they form these "clouds" of birds, swirling around in formation and then all together they swoop down into the reeds to roost for the night.  Its a specatular sight and although there are much bigger gatherings of birds in other places this gathering still manages to draw many spectators.